Hello everyone! I hope everyone is having a good day today. Here is chapter four! I finally got it done after a few people *coughErinandMelandJohncough* bullied me into getting it out. ^.^;;; Also, a special HUGGLE for my elusive friend from England/editor, Chris. *glomps Chris and starts pinching his cheeks* He's so cute, ne? *coughs* Anywho! Onto the story. E-mail me at SetsunaPuu21@cs.com with feedback.

Title: Words from the heart
Author: JupiterHalo
Part: 3/?
Rating: PG to PG-13
Date written: October 11, 2001

Disclaimer: I don't own FY or the characters.

"When I met you, I understood at once. You were that person I searched for, and at the same time was afraid of."
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Miaka approached the guards warily, especially since she didn't have an excellent history with these kinds of men. "Halt!" one of the guards yelled, drawing his sword from the scabbard on his hip. She glanced at the sword, her eyes widening slightly with fear, then glanced back at the guard. "I'm here to see the Emperor," she said, surprised that her voice hadn't wobbled. The guard who had drawn his sword snorted. "You think anyone can see the Emperor? You should go back to the country, woman, where you belong." The other guard roamed his eyes up and down Miaka's body, grinning lecherously. "Unless you want to bribe us to get in?" Miaka gasped, and before she knew it, her hand had reached out and slapped the second guard in the face. "Why, you little-" the second guard snarled. He dealt her a vicious blow across the face with his arm, and both guards prepared to run Miaka through with their weapons. But, a regal-sounding voice pierced the air. "You touch that woman again, and it means death for both of you!" Miaka gasped as Hotohori strode up, grabbing both swords out of the men's hands and held them against their throats. Even though it had been years, Miaka knew exactly who she was dealing with. "Hotohori, stop!" Miaka cried out, afraid of what he might do. Hotohori narrowed his eyes a little, but released the men. As soon as he did, both of the men bowed low to the ground, making petty excuses. Hotohori wasn't listening, though; he was staring at Miaka. She stared back at him, amazed at how much he had changed. They were subtle differences, though. His eyes looked a little sadder, his face had changed to look like that of a man, instead of an eighteen year old boy... or girl, depending on the situation. Miaka giggled a little at that thought. Hotohori was also taking her in with his eyes, afraid that this might be another one of his illusions. But, as soon as Miaka had ran to him and hugged him tightly, he knew that she was not an illusion. She was real; and she was there, in his arms. He held her to him tightly, not wanting to let go. "Hotohori..." she whispered. "We didn't know that you knew this... woman, Heika." Hotohori groaned softly as the voices of the guards broke him out of his dream. He turned and glared at them, his arms still wrapped around Miaka. "You have heard of the Suzaku no Miko, have you not?" Hotohori asked them softly. Both of the guards nodded, exchanging frightened glances with each other. "This woman is the Suzaku no Miko, and she is to be treated with the utmost respect." Hotohori continued. Then he waved his hand, and four more guards materialized out of nowhere, escorting the two men away.
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Okay! Sucky cliffhanger, but I'm writing this at 11:35 P.M. So, I deserve just a little credit. And I apologize for not getting this chapter out until now. Things have been going on in my life, and I didn't have time to write until now. Until the next chapter!

Love always,
~JupiterHalo~

P.S. I'm SO sorry that this chapter is so short! I'm working on it, and I hope to get the next part out this weekend. And, please e-mail me or review with feedback!